American Tune by Paul Simon

Key: D · 76 BPM · 4/4

American Tune by Paul Simon is written in D major. Its chords cycle through the I-IV-I-V progression — plagal + authentic mix: D-G-D-A. At 76 BPM, it moves at a relaxed, mid-tempo pace.

The progression

This song follows the I-IV-I-V progression (Plagal + authentic mix) in D major. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.

Learn more about the I-IV-I-V progression

Play it in other keys

CapoShape keyChords to play
No capoDD-G-A
Capo 2CC-F-G
Capo 5AA-D-E
Capo 7GG-C-D

Chord chart

  • 0:00 D
  • 0:07 G
  • 0:08 D
  • 0:09 A
  • 0:13 Bm
  • 0:19 D
  • 0:23 A
  • 0:24 D
  • 0:25 C#dim
  • 0:26 Bm
  • 0:32 G
  • 0:33 A
  • 0:35 G
  • 0:37 D
  • 0:40 A
  • 0:41 Bm
  • 0:46 A
  • 0:47 D
  • 0:48 A
  • 0:51 D
  • 0:54 A
  • 0:55 F#7
  • 0:57 Bm
  • 0:59 D
  • 1:08 G
  • 1:08 D
  • 1:09 A
  • 1:14 Bm
  • 1:19 D
  • 1:20 G
  • 1:21 D
  • 1:21 A
  • 1:24 D
  • 1:26 Bm
  • 1:32 G
  • 1:34 A
  • 1:35 G
  • 1:37 D
  • 1:39 G
  • 1:39 D
  • 1:40 A
  • 1:42 Bm
  • 1:46 A
  • 1:48 D
  • 1:49 A
  • 1:52 D
  • 1:53 G
  • 1:53 D
  • 1:54 A
  • 1:57 Bm
  • 1:58 G
  • 1:59 D
  • 2:01 A
  • 2:02 D
  • 2:14 A
  • 2:18 Bm
  • 2:19 G#dim
  • 2:21 A
  • 2:23 G
  • 2:24 D
  • 2:25 A
  • 2:28 D
  • 2:34 A
  • 2:37 Bm
  • 2:39 G#dim
  • 2:41 A
  • 2:42 G
  • 2:43 D
  • 2:45 A
  • 2:48 D
  • 2:54 G
  • 2:55 D
  • 2:55 A
  • 2:56 D
  • 2:57 A
  • 2:59 F#7
  • 3:00 Bm
  • 3:06 D
  • 3:06 G
  • 3:07 D
  • 3:08 A
  • 3:11 D
  • 3:13 Bm
  • 3:18 D7
  • 3:19 G
  • 3:21 A
  • 3:22 D
  • 3:26 G
  • 3:26 D
  • 3:27 A7
  • 3:29 Bm
  • 3:32 E7
  • 3:33 A7
  • 3:35 D
  • 3:36 A
  • 3:36 E
  • 3:38 A
  • 3:39 D
  • 3:40 G
  • 3:40 D
  • 3:41 A
  • 3:43 F#
  • 3:44 Bm
  • 3:45 G
  • 3:46 D
  • 3:47 A
  • 3:49 D
  • 3:51 G
  • 3:52 D
  • 3:54 A
  • 3:55 G
  • 3:57 D
  • 3:59 A
  • 4:01 D

Frequently asked questions

What key is American Tune in?

American Tune is in D major.

What chords does American Tune use?

The core of American Tune cycles through D, G, A (3 chords).

What is the tempo of American Tune?

American Tune runs at 76 BPM in 4/4 time.

What chord progression does American Tune use?

American Tune follows the I-IV-I-V progression. It's a plagal + authentic mix.

What capo should I use for American Tune?

No capo needed — D major already sits in standard open-chord shapes.

Related songs

Other songs using the I-IV-I-V progression

Other songs in D major

More by Paul Simon